Completed in 1888, Victoria Terminus—now officially known as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus—is a breathtaking blend of Victorian Gothic Revival and traditional Indian architecture. Designed by British architect Frederick William Stevens, this UNESCO World Heritage Site was inspired by London’s St Pancras station, yet infused with Indian craftsmanship, stone carvings, and domes. Once the headquarters of the Great Indian Peninsula Railway, it became the symbolic gateway to Bombay's growth as India’s commercial capital. Today, it is not just a functioning railway terminus, but a living museum of colonial ambition, artistic fusion, and Mumbai’s dynamic spirit.
CSMT Victoria Terminus: Questions You Never Thought to Ask
Why is there a dome on top of Victoria Terminus, when Gothic architecture typically avoids them?
What do the lion and tiger at the entrance of Victoria Terminus actually represent?
Which three forgotten Indian visionaries are honored on the walls of this British-era monument?
What’s the meaning behind the statue of a woman with a torch and wheel on top of the dome?
Why are there three different sculptures hidden in the gables—one each for engineering, trade, and agriculture?
How did a pottery teacher from England, Lockwood Kipling, influence the artwork of this iconic station?
What hidden features of this station can only be seen if you take a special guided tour inside?
Why is Victoria Terminus considered a "Bombay Gothic" masterpiece, different from European Gothic buildings?
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